Shark Tooth-Inspired Microneedle Dressing for Intelligent Wound Management

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Intractable chronic wounds require advanced management strategies beyond traditional therapies.
• Current treatments often lack integrated monitoring and controlled drug delivery capabilities.
• Biomimetic designs offer potential for improved wound healing devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a shark tooth-inspired microneedle patch for intelligent chronic wound management.
• To create a multifunctional device capable of drug delivery, factor analysis, and motion monitoring.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the microneedle patch in promoting wound healing in a diabetic rat model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a biomimetic microneedle patch using laser engraving and origami techniques.
• Integration of a temperature-responsive hydrogel for controllable drug release.
• Incorporation of microfluidic channels for inflammatory factor analysis.
• Patterning of MXene electronics for motion monitoring.
• In vivo testing on diabetic rats with full-thickness cutaneous wounds.

Main Results:

• The shark tooth-inspired microneedle patch demonstrated stable adhesion and ease of fabrication.
• A controllable drug release system and capacity for inflammatory factor analysis were achieved.
• MXene electronics enabled sensitive motion monitoring.
• The drug-loaded patch significantly facilitated the recovery of full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats.

Conclusions:

• The biomimetic microneedle patch represents a promising platform for intelligent wound management.
• This multifunctional device integrates drug delivery, diagnostics, and monitoring for enhanced chronic wound healing.
• The study highlights the potential of biomimicry and advanced materials in addressing complex wound care challenges.